Rufus pardoned: Beagle goes home with Florida family

Rufus avoids death sentence after biting child

An Orange County beagle named Rufus, who was set to be euthanized after biting a child, is now home with its family.

The incident sparked a public outcry after it was revealed that the dog could have been killed even though the owner wanted the dog back at home.

The dog bit the owner's 4-year-old child on the lip, triggering a visit from Animal Control.

Animal Control said it is its policy to take the dog when someone suffers a severe injury.

Rufus was set to be euthanized on May 1, but the family filed an appeal, and its owner, Nikki West, started a Facebook petition to save the dog. West had to prove that the injuries to her child weren't as severe as initially reported in order to get the dog back.

"Today I reviewed medical documentation provided by a representative for Ms. West. This documentation contradicts initial information provided by Ms. West on April 9, 2013, and as a result, l have decided to release Rufus to Ms. West," said a statement from Orange County Animal Services.

The beagle was sent home with the family Thursday evening.

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